The statements, which offered condolences to the Thomas family, were part of an email sent to reporters by a community group opposing the recall effort.

Jones said "it has been hard to refrain from commenting" about the beating of Thomas, adding that he had remained silent because of the criminal investigation by the Orange County district attorney's office.

"My sincere apology goes out to the Thomas family for the pain they have suffered with the loss of Kelly," Jones said.

Bankhead, a retired Fullerton police officer who spent 31 years on the force, said "two rogue police officers failed Kelly ... and disgraced the department and our city."